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Resident questions early fireworks schedule after cancellations; fire marshal reiterates rules
Summary
A resident urged the city to hold fireworks on July 4 rather than earlier dates; the fire marshal reminded residents that safe-and-sane fireworks are only allowed July 4 from 10AM to 10PM and listed approved vendor locations and penalties for illegal fireworks.
Bill Lam, speaking during public comment, said the city's fireworks events in recent years have been scheduled days ahead of July 4 and urged the council to hold future city shows on the holiday itself to reduce confusion. He described a pattern of early-scheduled shows (July 2 in 2022; July 1 in 2023; June 29 in 2024) and said last year's and the 2026 early shows were canceled because of poor air quality; he asked the council to "put the fireworks show on the July 4" in future years.
Fire Marshal Jessica Estrella gave an on-the-record safety briefing and vendor guidance to the council and residents, listing four approved 'safe and sane' sales locations and clarifying use rules: "Safe and sane fireworks are only allowed on July 4 from 10AM to 10PM" and "fireworks are not allowed in any of our city parks at any time." Estrella also noted fines for illegal fireworks range from $2,000 to $5,000 and recommended basic safety practices and reporting illegal sales to the city's nonemergency line.
